KNOXVILLE -- The Helen Ross McNabb Center celebrated the ribbon cutting for the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center on March 16, 2018.

Representatives from Knox County, the City of Knoxville, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health, Helen Ross McNabb Center and community partners participate in the ribbon cutting for the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center. The BHUCC will open its doors Monday, March 19 to provide services in lieu of incarceration to people suffering a mental health and/or substance abuse disorders. Image courtesy of McNabb Center

“This project has been nearly 10 years in the making,” said Jerry Vagnier, Helen Ross McNabb Center’s president and CEO. “Pre-arrest diversion services are much needed in Knox County, and the community’s support has been integral in making this facility possible.”

The crowd of nearly 100 people, including local and state elected officials, heard remarks by Commissioner Marie Williams of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services; Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett; City of Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero; and Vagnier.

The Helen Ross McNabb Center is a premier not-for-profit provider of behavioral health services in East Tennessee. Since 1948, the Center has provided quality and compassionate care to children, adults and families experiencing mental illness, addiction and social challenges. As the Center celebrates 70 years of providing services to communities in East Tennessee, its mission remains clear and simple; “Improving the lives of the people we serve.” For more information, visit www.mcnabbcenter.org.